Question:
What happens when your insurance changes its requirements and you have pre-approval?

I was pre-approved by Aetna HMO in December. My surgery is scheduled for April. I just found out that Aetna changed its requirements for surgery. I am afraid to contact them because it might make them research my case and deny me coverage. Has anyone faced this problem and if so were you denied coverage after getting pre-approval?    — dodiep (posted on March 3, 2003)

March 3, 2003
I would contact them. Seems to me they should honor the approval. Better to be safe than have a big hospital bill to pay. Good luck! I'm waiting for my approval too.
   — Katerina M.

March 3, 2003
Hi Dodie, I also have Aetna Managed Choice HMO. I was approved about a month before they changed their requirements and by choice scheduled my surgery for March 7th. (My surgeon could have done it within 2 weeks of approval but I wanted to tie up some loose ends both at work and at home) I do have my letter from Aetna stating my approval and to be sure I spoke with them AND my Dr.'s office just today to make sure everything was a go. I don't think you should have any problems but you might want to give Aetna a call and make sure. Best of luck to you!!!
   — spunkybear